AZIM's 6TH BIRTHDAY

It was my nephew's 6th birthday party yestersday. The theme was BEN 10. The main attraction was the water bouncer, of course. There were face painting and balloon twisting, popcorn and cotton candy stand. Instead of a big birthday cake, Azim's cake were some cute little cup cakes with BEN 10 and Liverpool theme. There were games like pinata and bowling (hit the water bottles using coconut). Food? Well, spaghetti, carbonara, satay, donuts, pao and pizzas. Everyone had a good time. The party ended at 6pm. Pictures attached.

PHILIPPINE COINS

I was browsing through my cupboard this morning and found these current Philippine coins.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND SOY - 3

Menopausal Symptoms

Does soy relieve hot flashes, night sweats and other menopausal symptoms? Could soy isoflavones be the reason that Japanese women have a lower rate of hot flashes? Current research does not indicate this and study results have been very inconsistent. Roughly 60 percent of trials showed only modest reductions in hot flashes, while the other 40 percent showed no improvements. The bottom line: The claims that soy helps with menopausal symptoms have been blown way out of proportion. The evidence just does not show much benefit.

Bone Health

It is still too early to conclude whether or not soy helps to build bones. There are currently a few long-term studies investigating the area of soy and bone health. Contrary to popular belief, Japanese women experience as much (if not more) osteoporosis as Caucasian women in the United States. They do suffer fewer bone fractures, but this may be due to genetics or the shape of their bones. The bottom line: Although it will be a few years before the long-term studies conclude, it does look like soy may benefit the bones. Although soy probably does NOT reverse bone loss, it may help prevent bone loss and increase bone density.

Brain Power

Does soy improve ones cognitive functioning? Very little research has been conducted in this area. But one small, preliminary study on older adults showed that soy isoflavones did improve cognitive functioning. The bottom line: More investigation is needed in this area.

AFTERNOON..

My children and their cousins decided to spend the afternoon at the beach. They spent about an hour there.

OUR OWN FAMILY DAY

Today, our family went out for breakfast at Sutera Biru. Had dim sum there. There were like eight adults (parents), five elder children (12 - 16 yrs) and six little children (3 - 11 yrs) and a very close friend who is a paediatrician. Everyone had a good time, of course, with all the noise, from the adults and children talking. This family breakfast is again, courtesy of my brother and his wife. Thank you very much, abang and kakak. Semoga Allah saja yang membalas..

After that, we all walked to the nearby shops with all the children. It was like an outing to them, each one with their own partner. We don't do this very often, but once we are together, we will make the most out of it. We'll be very noisy and people will look at us as if we are from elsewhere. Well, that's what we are, one big happy family..

(Photos in cube)

THE SCIENCE BEHIND SOY - 2

Breast Cancer
For consumers, the connection between soy and breast cancer may be the most confusing. After over 15 years of research on this topic, we don’t have any clear-cut answers. In theory, the plant estrogens in soy foods act as anti-estrogens. This means they may block natural estrogen from reaching the cells’ estrogen receptors. Therefore, soy is probably beneficial when the breasts are developing during childhood, making them less vulnerable to cancer. Later in life, when pre-menopausal women experience high levels of natural estrogen, the estrogens in soy may compete with natural estrogen resulting in positive benefits.

Post-menopause women, however, have low levels of natural estrogen. Adding plant estrogens at this time may increase the risk of breast cancer. Soy isoflavones may enhance tumor growth in women who have (or have had) estrogen-dependent cancers (like some breast cancers). The bottom line: Studies have not reliably demonstrated an increased or decreased risk of breast cancer among women eating soy. The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) states that soy consumption early in life may help protect against breast cancer later in life. The American Cancer Society suggests that those at risk for breast cancer should not consume soy isoflavones.

Prostate Cancer
Japanese men have lower rates of prostate cancer than men in the United States, and some experts contribute that to the Japanese diet, which is high in soy foods. The results of a few animal studies showed promise in this area. However, two small studies on humans (men) yielded controversial results. Soy isoflavones appeared to lower and improve the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) score for some men. For others, PSA level increased, but at a slower rate. And for certain men, the isoflavones worsened the prostate cancer condition. The bottom line: There are not enough human studies to say whether the isoflavones in soy affect prostate cancer for better or for worse.

Dinner..

We went Italian last night at Fratini's. Had pizzas, mashed potatoes, rock of lamb, carbonara and calzione (picture above).

BLUE...

I've chosen blue as my theme for this week, to match my handbag and my colourful bracelet. Bracelet bought in Cebu duirng an expo in SM City.

My son is back from a 5 day Singapore trip. He had a good time there with his cousin. They went to Snow City, took a ride on the Singapore Flyer, and went to Underwater World at Sentosa. Well, he will be there again next month. But this time, we are all going!

Thank you..

To all my readers,

Thank you for taking time to visit my blog and dropping me an EC.

Have a great week ahead...

THE SCIENCE BEHIND SOY - 1

Confused about Soy? You're not Alone..

The humble soybean has come a long way. Today, soy is everywhere and in every possible form—beans, nuts, milk, yogurt, cheese, flour, tofu, tempeh, and “meat” analogs, to name a few. You can eat soy alone, cooked, or combined with other ingredients for a fantastic high-protein, low-fat snack or meal. In fact, one in four Americans eats a soy-containing food at least once a week. Soy is a powerful plant food, packed with valuable protein, essential fatty acids, numerous vitamins and minerals, and fiber. It also contains phytochemicals such as isoflavones, phytate, saponins, and phytosterols. As one of the most widely researched foods for potential health benefits, soy has been touted as a miracle food that may fight cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis and more. But lately, this innocent bean has become the center of confusion and controversy. Several soy studies have yielded inconsistent results and consumers have been bombarded by mixed messages from the media. So here is the rundown on the science behind soy.

Heart Health

In 1999, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concluded that adding soy protein to a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol could decrease the risk of coronary heart disease (by lowering blood cholesterol levels). The American Dietetic Association (ADA) also released a statement recommending 25 grams of soy protein daily to help reduce the risk of heart disease. But current research has been unimpressive, finding that soy protein only decreases LDL (bad) cholesterol by three percent and does not increase the HDL (good) cholesterol. The bottom line: Soy’s role in improving cholesterol is small. Even though soy has a relatively modest effect on cholesterol levels, it still can be included as part of a heart-healthy diet.

DONUTS

These are our favourite donuts, J.Co, originally from Indonesia. My sister went to Singapore, and I got her to buy 2 dozens; from top to bottom : tiramisu, peanut butter, chocolate caviar and oreo. Hmmm, they are so filling and fatty, of course..

WEDNESDAY...

My only son has gone on an all expenses paid trip to Singapore yesterday morning, and will be back on Sunday. courtesy of my brother and his wife. Thank you very much..

Yesterday, I took my three girls to Bandar to submit application at MOE, Ong Sum Ping, for transfer of school. Then we went to The Mall. Mall hopping for a while then had lunch at my sisiter's house in Jalan Telanai.

I had a meeting with an architect firm at 1430hrs. My youngest daughter decided to stay with my sisiter until Sunday. So I took my two elder daughters to 'Giant'. it was our first time there. It's a nice place, with kiosks here and there. People who had been there said the prices are cheap in Giant. We did our own scouting and the prices are not that cheap at all!! In fact, most items are more expensive than Soon Lee or Millimewah. Anyway, we didn't go there to shop, but to see what 'Giant' is like. We had snacks at Rasamas. The food was okay. The finally, headed for home at about 1730hrs.

PINOY JOKE 4

NANAY : Anak, ano itong zero sa test paper mo?

ANAK : Nay, hindi po yan zero.. Naubusan po kasi ng star si ma'am kaya binigyan nya ako ng moon.

CUTE!!!

We managed to take a shot of one of Cocoaboo's kittens. She's so adorable, and a replica of Cocoaboo. She was looking at us through a tinted window.

DINNER

Just got back from dinner at Excapade, KB. We went there on an empty stomach, and came out bloated.. Wow, nice food. You must know what to order then you can enjoy the food. Dinner courtesy of my brother and his wife, of course.. Thank you abg and kakak

Chocolate

My brother got me this chocolate from Paris. Very nice of him.. :)

PSR Result..

Alhamdulillaaah, my daughter passed her PSR exam. Her results :

English - A
Bahasa Melayu - B
Mathematics - C
Science - B
GP - C

WATERMELON HAS GROWN!!!

KOTA KINABALU HOTELS

PINOY JOKE 3

Dermatologist : Miss, good news. Pimples will not grow on your face anymore.

Miss : Really Doc?

Dermatologist : Yes, because no more space..

PINOY JOKE 2

Mister : Honey, mag empake ka na. Nanalo ako sa lotto!

Misis : Wow! Anong dadalhin ko?

Mister : I couldn't care, basta't lumayas ka na!

PINOY JOKE 1

Sa antique shop :

Buyer : Nakita ko na lahat itong naka display dito.

Owner : May napili po ba kayo?

Buyer : Do you have brand new?

COCOABOO

Cocoaboo had given birth to four kittens two weeks ago. Because we didin't have a home for her, she kept her kittens in an old car in my neighbour's bouse. My children are very fond of Cocoaboo. Every morning, they would look for her, and feed her. Now that Cocoaboo knows my children are feeding her, she comes to our back door every morning, asking for food. My children even went to the extend to buy her food, 'Whiskas'.

Looking at the fondness of my children towards Cocoaboo, I began to like her, too. She has found love in our home. Nowadays she will come in our kitchen and sit by the door. I am glad Cocoaboo came to our home because my daughter, Maryam, is afraid of cats. She would run away if she sees one. With the presence of Cocoaboo, Maryam is now a brave girl and already starting to touch and carry her. She even put a bell around Cocoaboo's neck so that we know where Cocoaboo is. Cocoaboo has a home now..

GO GREEN..

We decided to go green again yesterday, by taking our own bags to the grocery store.

LUNCH 09 NOV 2008

This is what we had for lunch today, bows topped with chicken sausage and broccoli in creamy sauce.. hmmm

MAJLIS PENYAMPAIAN SIJIL PENGHARGAAN

I was invited to this function held at Serikandi Cafe & Restaurant in Kuala Belait. The guest of honur was, of course, the Belait District Officer. The ceremony began with a couple of dances from the Chinese Community. This certificate presentation was presented to those Chinese who had donated or helped in one way or another, during His Majesty's 62nd Birthday celebration this year. There was also a lucky draw, in which I've got myself a prize.. :)

HAPPY THOUGHTS..

A happy person has no cares in the world, but a cheerful person cares and has learned to deal with them..

THE MALL, GADONG

Last Friday, while sitting at gelato's, I happened to look around and took these pictures. They weren't as good because I've only begun to like taking pictures. But they were the best I could take..

LUNCH...

I made this for lunch today. It was so yummy (beef covered with mushroom, potatoes and carrots) that my 3 children would have finished it. But they had to leave some for their sister, who was at my brother's house. So, there was little left for her to enjoy later..

A smile costs nothing but gives much. It enriches those who receive without making poorer those who give. It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever. None is so rich or mighty that he cannot get along without it and none is so poor that he cannot be made rich by it. Yet a smile cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is of no value to anyone until it is given away. Some people are too tired to give you a smile. Give them one of yours, as none needs a smile so much as he who has no more to give.

Got this from "Life is Wonderful" blog

ST JOHN'S SCHOOL VARIETY SHOW

St John's School, Kuala Belait held a veriety show last night at Dewan Bandaran in the Belait District. Students from KG to Form 4 performed various dances. There was also a singing contest. The show ended around 10.00pm.

BE NICE...